Ports cap for mask assembly

ABSTRACT

A ports cap for a mask assembly includes two closure portions adapted to seal respective ports of the mask assembly, a bridge piece that joins the two closure portions, and two gripping tabs extending outwardly from respective closure portions. Each gripping tab includes one or more ribs on at least one side thereof.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 60/830,097, filed Jul. 12, 2006, and 60/838,371, filedAug. 18, 2006, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a ports cap for a mask assembly used forNon-invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation (NPPV) and for continuouspositive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy of sleep disordered breathing(SDB) conditions such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mask assemblies used in the treatment of SDB may comprise a nasal mask,designed to fit over a patient's nose, or a full face mask designed tofit over the nose and mouth of the patient. In both cases, the mask isheld in position by headgear.

The mask generally comprises a relatively rigid shell, termed a frame,which defines a rearwardly opening cavity covering the patient's noseand/or mouth and a soft portion, termed a cushion, which contacts andseals against the patient in a preferably comfortable manner.

The air or other breathable gas is supplied by a blower and passed alonga flexible conduit to the mask. The conduit is typically of relativelylarge bore, for example approximately 2 cm diameter, with the mask framehaving a gas inlet of comparable diameter.

In addition to the gas inlet, the mask may also have CO₂ washout ventsand one or more small diameter ports through which supplemental oxygenmay be introduced or pressure measurements made. The ports typicallycomprise a pair of cylindrical connectors molded into the mask frame,usually projecting forward from the front surface of the frame. The maskports typically also include a cap which prevents leakage of air fromthe mask when the port is not in use.

Depending on the part construction and the relative diameters of theport and the tubing which supplies supplemental oxygen, the port mayfunction as a male or a female connector. The Mirage® nasal mask (ResMedLtd.) is a generally triangular mask with a gas inlet tube extendingupwards from its apex. The two ports of that mask are located in thefront of the gas inlet tube just above the patient's eye level, betweena pair of shield projections. A single cap of silicone rubber coversboth ports, and has tabs at either end to facilitate removal by pullingon the tabs in a direction away from patient's face.

There is a need for ports which are conveniently located on the mask,which are protected from accidental breakage and which do not foultubing. There is a need for a corresponding ports cap which issufficiently large so as to be easy to handle and which is not so smallas to be easily lost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention relates to a ports cap for a mask assembly.The ports cap includes two closure portions adapted to seal respectiveports of the mask assembly, a bridge piece that joins the two closureportions, and two gripping tabs extending outwardly from respectiveclosure portions. Each gripping tab includes one or more ribs on atleast one side thereof.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a ports cap for a maskassembly. The ports cap includes two closure portions adapted to sealrespective ports of the mask assembly, a bridge piece that joins the twoclosure portions, and two gripping tabs extending outwardly fromrespective closure portions. Each gripping tab extends from a lateralside of the respective closure portion such that it extends generallyparallel with the bridge piece.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a port cap for a maskassembly. The port cap includes a closure portion adapted to seal a portof the mask assembly and a gripping tab extending outwardly from theclosure portion. The gripping tab includes one or more ribs on at leastone side thereof.

Another aspect of the invention relates to a port cap for a maskassembly. The port cap includes a closure portion adapted to seal a portof the mask assembly and a gripping tab extending outwardly from theclosure portion. The gripping tab extends from a lateral side of theclosure portion.

Other aspects, features, and advantages of this invention will becomeapparent from the following detailed description when taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, which are a part of thisdisclosure and which illustrate, by way of example, principles of thisinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the variousembodiments of this invention. In such drawings:

FIGS. 1A-4 are various views of a full facial mask assembly including aports cap according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 5-7 are various views of a frame of the full facial mask assemblyshown in FIGS. 1A-4;

FIGS. 8-14 are various views of the ports cap shown in FIGS. 1A-4removed from the full facial mask assembly;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view through line 15-15 of FIG. 10 andshowing exemplary dimensions of an embodiment;

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view through line 16-16 of FIG. 11 andshowing exemplary dimensions of an embodiment; and

FIG. 17 is a schematic view of a ports cap according to anotherembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

The following includes a description of a ports cap according to anembodiment of the present invention. In the illustrated embodiment, theports cap is adapted to be removably attached to a frame of a maskassembly of the type described below. The general operation of theembodiment described herein is substantially similar to the operation ofthe embodiments detailed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,230, which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Mask Assembly

FIGS. 1A-4 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a full facial maskassembly (“FMA”) 10 including a ports cap 50 according to an embodimentof the present invention. As illustrated, the mask assembly 10 includesa frame 14, a cushion 16 provided to the frame 14 and adapted to form aseal with the patient's face, an elbow assembly 18 provided to the frame14 and adapted to be connected to an air delivery tube (not shown) thatdelivers breathable gas to the patient, and a forehead support 20 toprovide a support and stability mechanism between the mask assembly 10and the patient's forehead. A headgear assembly (not shown) may beremovably attached to the frame 14 and the forehead support 20 tomaintain the mask assembly 10 in a desired adjusted position on thepatient's face.

Further details and embodiments of such mask assemblies are disclosed inPCT Application Nos. PCT/AU2006/000031 and PCT/AU2006/000037, and Designapplication Ser. No. 29/261,578, filed Jun. 16, 2006 and entitled“Patient Interface and Components Therefore”, each of which isincorporated herein by reference in its entirety. While the ports cap 50is described as being used with a mask assembly 10 of the type describedabove, it may be adapted for use with other suitable mask assemblies.That is, the mask assembly 10 is merely exemplary, and the ports cap 50may be adapted for use with any suitable mask assembly, e.g., afull-face (oro-nasal) mask, a mouth (oro) mask, or a nasal mask.

Mask Frame

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the frame 14 isolated from the other components ofthe mask assembly 10. As illustrated, the frame 14 includes an uppersupport member 30 adapted to support the forehead support 20, lowerheadgear clip receptacles 32 adapted to be engaged with clips 34 (e.g.,see FIGS. 1A-4) provided to straps of a headgear assembly (not shown),and an annular elbow connection seal 36 adapted to engage the elbowassembly 18. Also, the top wall of the frame 14 includes a plurality ofslots 38 therethrough, e.g., three slots, that are adapted to engage acushion clip 40 (portions of clip 40 shown in FIGS. 1A-4) that retainsthe cushion 16 to the frame 14. In addition, the frame 14 includes avent assembly 42 for gas washout. In an embodiment, the frame 14 ismolded in one-piece with polycarbonate.

As best shown in FIG. 6, the frame includes two ports 70 located inrecesses 72 in the base of the frame 14. These recesses 72 arepositioned in between the lower headgear clip receptacles 32. The ports70 are positioned so that in use, oxygen or other breathable gas can bedelivered close to the patient's nares. Each port 70 is formed as atubular spigot that forms the male connector onto which small boretubing supplying, for example, oxygen, may be attached.

In the illustrated embodiment, each recess 72 includes an asymmetricalshape bounded by upper wall 80 that supports the port 70, inner sidewall 82, outer side wall 84, rear wall 86, and front wall 88, and isopen at its bottom end. The front wall 88 may be formed as acontinuation of a front wall portion of the frame 14. The walls 82, 84,86, 88 of the recess 72 are spaced from the port 70 by a sufficientdistance to allow a small bore oxygen tube to be pushed onto the port70, and also to allow closure portions 52 of the ports cap 50 (see FIGS.8-16) to be received therewithin.

The base of the frame 14 may also include a shallow bridging recess 90for receiving at least a portion of the bridge piece 54 joining the twoclosure portions 52 of the ports cap 50.

As best shown in FIG. 3B, gripping tabs 56 of the ports cap 50 extendbeyond or overhang respective outer side walls 84 for gripping by theuser. Pulling downwards on the tab 56 will remove the respective closureportion 52 from its port or spigot 70 to allow attachment of an oxygentube or a tube leading to a measurement device.

Ports Cap

FIGS. 8-16 illustrate the ports cap 50 according to an embodiment of thepresent invention. As illustrated, the ports cap includes the twoclosure portions 52, the bridge piece 54 joining the two closureportions 52, and the two gripping tabs 56 extending outwardly fromrespective closure portions 52. In an embodiment, the ports cap 50 isformed of a relatively soft elastomeric material such as silicone.

Each closure portion 52 includes an opening 53 adapted to receive therespective port or spigot 70 on the frame 14 in use. In an embodiment,the opening 53 seals the port 70 and retains the closure portion 52 onthe port 70, e.g., the surfaces defining the opening 53 engage the port70 to provide a seal and retain the closure portion 52 on the port 70.The walls 82, 84, 86, 88 of the recess 72 may be spaced from the closureportion 52 (e.g., the walls 82, 84, 86, 88 allow clearance betweenthemselves and the closure portion 52) and/or the walls 82, 84, 86, 88may engage the closure portion 52.

For example, FIG. 1B is a cross-sectional view illustrating anembodiment of the interface between the ports cap 50 and a port 70 onthe frame 14. As illustrated, interference is provided between theopening 53 of the ports cap 50 and the port 70 to provide a seal andretain the closure portion 52 on the port 70. In addition, clearance Cis provided between the closure portion 52 and at least one of the walls82, 84, 86, 88 of the recess 72. Also, the ports cap 50 includes a lip59 structured to extend over the front wall 88 such that it issubstantially flush with a front surface of the front wall 88.

In an alternative embodiment, the walls 82, 84, 86, 88 may be used toprovide a seal and retain the closure portion 52 within the recess 72,e.g., the exterior surfaces of the closure portion 52 engage the walls82, 84, 86, 88 to seal and retain the closure portion 52.

In an embodiment, the opening 53 may have sloped side walls, e.g. seeFIG. 15. In addition, each closure portion 52 includes an asymmetricalshape that corresponds to the asymmetric shape of the recesses 72. Thisarrangement reduces the likelihood that the ports cap 50 will beincorrectly assembled.

In the illustrated embodiment, the gripping tabs 56 extend fromrespective lateral sides of the closure portions 52, e.g., extendgenerally parallel (e.g., coplanar or colinear) with the bridge piece54. This arrangement facilitates removal of the ports cap 50 from theframe 14 via the tabs 56. In addition, each gripping tab 56 includes oneor more ribs 60 on the top and/or bottom surfaces thereof, which allowseach gripping tab 56 to be found easier and to be easier held, e.g., fordisassembly.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rib 60 is in the general form of an“L” or “C”. However, the rib may be formed in other shapes as well, suchas a linear segment that is formed along a border of the tab 56.Furthermore, the rib may be in the form of a bead. In addition or in thealternative to the rib, the tab may include a textural, tacky, and/orroughened surface that improves gripability and provides a tactile cuethat the patient/clinician has grasped the correct part of the tab.

Further, the ports cap 50 is relatively large to aid assembly anddisassembly. Specifically, the ports cap 50 is easier to handle, easierto find if dropped, and the gripping tabs 56 are relatively large andeasily found for disassembly.

In an embodiment of the ports cap 50, as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, D₁may be in the range of 7-15 mm, e.g., preferably 11 mm, D₂ may be about7 mm, D₃ may be about 7-8 mm, D₄ may be about 3-4 mm, D₅ may be about4-5 mm, D₆ may be about 10°, D₇ may be in the range of 10-24 mm, e.g.,preferably 16 mm, D₈ may be about 1.5 mm, D₉ may be about 30-31 mm, D₁₀may be in the range of 2-42 mm, e.g., preferably 6 mm, D₁₁ may be in therange of 0.5-6 mm, e.g., preferably 1.5 mm, and D₁₂ may be in the rangeof 16-100 mm, e.g., preferably 51 mm. Although specific dimensions andranges of the ports cap are indicated, it is to be understood that thesedimensions and ranges are merely exemplary and other dimensions andranges are possible depending on application. For example, the exemplarydimensions may vary by 10-20% or more or less depending on application.

In an alternative embodiment, the port may be in the form of a femaleconnector and the closure portions 52 of the ports cap 50 may act as amale connector, e.g., no openings 53 needed, to seal the port, asdescribed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,439,230.

In another embodiment, a port cap may include a single closure portion52 with a gripping tab 56, e.g., for sealing a single port provided tothe mask frame. In such an arrangement, the bridge piece may not beprovided at all.

In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17, a port cap may include asingle closure portion 52, a bridge piece 54, and a gripping tab 56. Insuch an arrangement, the bridge piece 54 may include an opening 55adapted to engage an anchor provided to the frame 14, e.g., one of theports 70 may be replaced with an anchor adapted to engage the opening 55in the bridge piece 54.

Other suitable arrangements of the ports cap are also possible dependingon application, e.g., more than two closure portions.

While the invention has been described in connection with what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the invention. Also, the various embodiments described abovemay be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspectsof one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment torealize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature orcomponent of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.In addition, while the invention has particular application to patientswho suffer from OSA, it is to be appreciated that patients who sufferfrom other illnesses (e.g., congestive heart failure, diabetes, morbidobesity, stroke, barriatric surgery, etc.) can derive benefit from theabove teachings. Moreover, the above teachings have applicability withpatients and non-patients alike in non-medical applications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A mask assembly comprising: a frame including twoports each comprising a tubular spigot that forms a male connector; anda ports cap comprising: two closure portions adapted to seal respectiveports of the mask assembly, each closure portion being adapted toreceive and seal a respective spigot on the respective port; a bridgepiece that joins the two closure portions; and two gripping tabsextending outwardly from respective closure portions, each gripping tabincluding one or more ribs on an outer surface of at least one sidethereof, wherein each gripping tab extends from a lateral side of therespective closure portion such that it extends generally parallel withthe bridge piece, wherein, in a side view in which the closure portionsextend downwardly from the bridge piece, the bridge piece and grippingtabs extend along an arc configured to correspond to a curvature of theframe, and wherein the bridge piece and the two gripping tabs extendfrom similar ends of the closure portions.
 2. The mask assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein the ports cap is formed of a relativelysoft elastomeric material.
 3. The mask assembly according to claim 1,wherein each closure portion includes an opening adapted to receive arespective port.
 4. The mask assembly according to claim 3, whereinsurfaces defining the opening are adapted to engage the port to providea seal and retain the closure portion on the port.
 5. The mask assemblyaccording to claim 1, wherein each closure portion includes anasymmetrical shape.
 6. The mask assembly according to claim 1, whereinthe one or more ribs are provided along a free end of the gripping tabto enhance gripping of the gripping tab at least for disassembly of theclosure portion from the respective port.
 7. The mask assembly accordingto claim 1, wherein the gripping tab includes a rib along both sidesthereof.
 8. The mask assembly according to claim 1, wherein each closureportion includes an indentation along the end from which the grippingtab extends.
 9. The mask assembly according to claim 1, wherein thebridge piece and gripping tabs extend along an arc.
 10. The maskassembly according to claim 1, wherein in use the ports cap isconstructed and arranged to be pulled downwards and laterally withrespect to the mask assembly to remove the respective closure portionfrom a sealing relationship with the respective spigot.
 11. A ports capfor a mask assembly, the ports cap comprising: two closure portionsadapted to seal respective ports of the mask assembly; a bridge piecethat joins the two closure portions; and two gripping tabs extendingoutwardly from respective closure portions, each gripping tab extendingfrom a lateral side of the respective closure portion such that itextends generally parallel with the bridge piece, wherein, in a sideview in which the closure portions extend downwardly from the bridgepiece, the bridge piece and gripping tabs extend along an arc configuredcorrespond to a curvature of a mating portion of a frame of the maskassembly, and further wherein in use the ports cap is constructed andarranged to be pulled downwards and laterally with respect to the maskassembly to remove a respective closure portion from a sealingrelationship with the respective port.
 12. A mask assembly comprising: aframe including two ports; and a ports cap according to claim
 11. 13.The mask assembly according to claim 12, wherein each said port islocated in a recess in a base of the frame.
 14. The mask assemblyaccording to claim 13, wherein each closure portion includes an openingthat receives a respective port, and surfaces defining the openingengage the port to provide a seal and retain the closure portion on theport within the recess.
 15. The mask assembly according to claim 13,wherein the recess is bounded by a plurality of walls, and the wallsengage the closure portion to provide a seal and retain the closureportion within the recess.
 16. The mask assembly according to claim 13,wherein each recess includes an asymmetrical shape.
 17. The maskassembly according to claim 12, wherein each port is formed as a tubularspigot.
 18. The mask assembly according to claim 12, wherein each saidgripping tab of the ports cap extends beyond or overhangs respectiveouter side walls of the recess in use.
 19. The mask assembly accordingto claim 12, wherein each said gripping tab of the ports cap extendstoward sides of the frame in use.
 20. The ports cap according to claim11, wherein each tab is wider than at least a portion of the bridgepiece.
 21. A port cap for a mask assembly, the port cap comprising: aclosure portion adapted to seal a port of the mask assembly; and agripping tab extending outwardly from the closure portion, the grippingtab including one or more ribs on an outer surface of at least one sidethereof, wherein the closure portion includes a continuous outer surfaceincluding an exposed indented portion, the gripping tab being directlyadjacent the indented portion and extending from the indented portion.22. The port cap according to claim 21, further comprising a bridgepiece that extends from the closure portion, the bridge piece includingan opening adapted to engage an anchor provided to the mask assembly.23. The port cap according to claim 21, wherein the port cap is formedof a relatively soft elastomeric material.
 24. The port cap according toclaim 21, wherein the closure portion includes an opening adapted toreceive a port.
 25. The port cap according to claim 24, wherein surfacesdefining the opening are adapted to engage the port to provide a sealand retain the closure portion on the port.
 26. The port cap accordingto claim 21, wherein the closure portion includes an asymmetrical shape.27. The port cap according to claim 21, wherein the gripping tab extendsfrom a lateral side of the closure portion.
 28. A mask assemblycomprising: a frame including a port; and a port cap according to claim21.
 29. The port cap according to claim 21, wherein the one or more ribsare provided along a free end of the gripping tab to enhance gripping ofthe gripping tab at least for disassembly of the closure portion fromthe port.
 30. The port cap according to claim 21, wherein the grippingtab includes a rib along both sides thereof.
 31. A port cap for a maskassembly, the port cap comprising: two closure portions adapted to sealrespective ports of the mask assembly; a bridge piece that joins the twoclosure portions, the bridge piece extending generally along an arc in afirst direction between the two closure portions and a gripping tabextending outwardly from at least one of the closure portions, thegripping tab extending from a lateral side of the at least one closureportion along the arc in the first direction, wherein the gripping tabincludes a rib along outer surfaces on both sides thereof, each ribprovided along a free end of the gripping tab to enhance gripping of thegripping tab at least for disassembly of the closure portion from theport.
 32. A mask assembly comprising: a frame including a port; and aport cap according to claim
 31. 33. The mask assembly according to claim32, wherein the port is located in a recess in a base of the frame. 34.The mask assembly according to claim 33, wherein the closure portionincludes an opening that receives the port, and surfaces defining theopening engage the port to provide a seal and retain the closure portionon the port within the recess.
 35. The mask assembly according to claim33, wherein the recess is bounded by a plurality of walls, and the wallsengage the closure portion to provide a seal and retain the closureportion within the recess.
 36. The mask assembly according to claim 33,wherein the recess includes an asymmetrical shape.
 37. The mask assemblyaccording to claim 32, wherein the port is formed as a tubular spigot.38. The mask assembly according to claim 32, wherein the gripping tab ofthe port cap extends beyond or overhangs an outer side wall of therecess in use.
 39. The mask assembly according to claim 32, wherein thegripping tab of the port cap extends toward a side of the frame in use.40. The port cap according to claim 31, wherein the closure portionincludes an indentation along the end from which the gripping tabextends.